Monday, March 17, 2014

Getting ready

My half marathon, the Florida Beach Halfathon, is less than a week away. 


Normally, I don't get too worked up before a race, but most of the races I run are local. I planned this race around a family vacation, and I have a lot to do this week before we leave. So the mental gymnastics begin...bear with me...



I'm trying to figure out the logistics for the race. We are staying on an island about 45 miles away. My husband, who never fails to surprise me, thought it would be fun to stay overnight at a hotel that is closer. While I think this is a great idea, it kind of threw me off. My husband rarely goes to my races anymore, and when I signed up for this one, he was a little upset at first--"you're going to run a race on our vacation?". In my head, I was planning on getting up early and driving myself to the race. No big deal. He rented a convertible and I pictured myself driving down the sunshine skyway bridge with the top down, medal around my neck, the breeze blowing my hair.


Well ok, maybe not this convertible...here's a picture of the bridge today...
Driving over it never fails to thrill me!

Now he's all in and I'm excited but more nervous. He told me he's going to drop me off at the starting line. Then he said he might not make it to the finish line? Hello? You have to know him...

Anyways, I have to rethink everything. Most importantly, I have to rethink my fueling--because we are staying at a hotel--and hope I get a decent night's sleep. All the things I take for granted when I run races at home, for me, running a race somewhere else adds a whole new dimension to pre-race jitters.

We're currently "discussing" race packet pickup. I was planning on picking it up the morning of the race. But now that we are going to be in the area, I want to pick it up beforehand. That way I can get everything ready the night before, get dressed, eat breakfast, and show up. My husband would like me to just pick it up race morning.

The other factor that I'm overthinking is the weather. I have been training in cold, cold conditions all winter. We haven't had any of those "teaser" days that we usually get in the winter, you know, the days that hit 70 degrees in February? I've been checking the weather for Florida, and I have to admit, it does look ideal that day.


The race starts at 7 am, and the sun doesn't rise until 730, so I should get that 60 degrees for at least the first hour of the race. It will warm up pretty quickly tho. I'll have to plan my fueling accordingly. One thing that is different from races here in the Midwest is that they will have orange slices at that fuel stops! I've never had that before, but it sounds great to me! I have to remember to pack my Clif Raz Gels and slit the tops. I once lost a few minutes at a half trying to tear them open with sweaty hands--live and learn.

And most important, I have to decide what to wear. Since I've been dressing like an eskimo, I'll need to pull out the summer running clothes. It will feel great to run unencumbered by layers. And I want to pick something that will make me feel confident. 



Let's see..what else...I need to make my playlist. I may or may not listen to music, but it is nice to have for when I need a push!


A few other loose ends: the Garmin and Chamois Butr (for chafing prevention).

Of course, the race is 7 days away..the weather could change...my husband could change his mind...arrgh, why do we do this?!


What do you do to prepare for a race? How do you deal with your nerves? Do you do a lot of mental preparation beforehand?






14 comments :

  1. LOL, darn those husbands throwing a wrench in the plan! Is this a goal race for you, or a "for fun" race? :) Most of my races are just for fun so I rarely sweat the details or feel nervous. I only feel nervous for one race a year - our local 5K! Which is close to the home and starts late in the morning, but I always try to place since the field is so small and that is what makes me all nervous!

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    1. It's kind of crazy for me to get nervous after all these years! Not a goal race, actually none of them are anymore! This is definitely just for fun. But I'm such a nervous nellie anyways. Ugh!

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  2. Darn it, you are making me want to run this race. I am such a planner, that it totally throws me when suddenly D announces he will or won't be somewhere with the race. I usually do all the planning, and I'm excited when he's involved so I don't want to dissuade him in any way...which means yes nerves! :) I then try to just take a moment, sit down, write everything out and realize it always works out.

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    1. Funny how those husbands THINK they're doing us a favor...and in the long run, they are. Yes, I'm a planner. But I can roll with it too...

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  3. Don't be nervous, this is fun. You'll be great. We talked alot about racing in heat when you're not acclimated this weekend. They key is to simulate heat by overdressing, even on the mill. Yes, lots of packing and logistics with a destination race. Have fun! Can't wait to hear all about it. I'll be doing the final two of my long runs in Houston starting this weekend, so I will share in your not-read-for-heat agony.
    BTW: I met Karen!

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    1. I know, I know...just lots of planning. At least you'll get some heat training in Houston! I tell myself I'm just doing this one for fun, but I do want to come in under 2. Just sayin'....

      Glad you met my friend Karen! Met her through her blog too. She's one of the nicest people I've met!

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  4. Lets not talk about my last destination race! I've realized, I don't do well with distractions or having to consider someone else's "plans". Soooooo, I have no words of wisdom for you, girlfriend ;) Except GOOD LUCK. I'm so excited for you. And I will be there in spirit cheering you on!! Xo

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    1. Thanks love! Guess I need to go with what the day gives me, right?

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  5. How awesome that you'll be able to run a race while on vacation! I'm sure everything will work out! I like to plan everything as far in advance as possible...I hate last-minute surprises! Hope everything goes well!

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    1. I've had my eye on this race for a few years. I'm so glad it worked out. If nothing else, I can cross it off my list!

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  6. I've only done a few destination races and the logistics of it all made me so crazy. The sleepless night before, the packing, the food, the weather, what to wear....it's all too much! However, I am insanely jealous of even remotely warm temps. I can't even remember what to wear while running in those temps. I had a hard enough time trying to remember what to wear in the 40s over the weekend!

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    1. Well, that's the point. I could have run the March Madness race this weekend here, in 25 degrees and 30 mph winds. But no, I opted to run a spring race in Florida! And I am so looking forward to it...just need to get my nerves under control.

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  7. You are going to do GREAT this weekend. Try to think about your vacation more and the half is just the icing on the cake. You will have beautiful weather, a relaxing trip and a great tan. I can't wait to hear all about it...including how well you ran.

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    1. I think once I'm there and ready to run, I'll be fine. It's all the preparation that's got me in a tizzy...and that I won't get to see you guys tomorrow. We'll have to plan something when I get back!

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